GREAT DIVERSE DESIGNERS LIBRARY
 Currently Featuring 
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In line with our mission to elevate the contributions of women and BIPOC designers, we launched the Great Diverse Designers Library. To date, our SAY IT LOUD exhibitions have been viewed by an estimate total 35,000 visitors since January 2017. This library serves as a resource to the profession as well as a platform of elevation of Diverse Designers. Diverse is defined as Women (of any ethnicity) and Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC). Designer is defined as Architects, Interiors, Landscape, Planners, Environmental, Engineers, Students and Artists. It is important that we celebrate all the ways these designers impact our profession and our built environment. 

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This is a self submitting process, that allows these designers to share their story from their perspective and to curate their journey as they introduce themselves and their work to society and our global community. This platform serves to dismantle injustice embedded in our profession all while serving as inspiration to future generations. 

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                                                                 “You can’t be what you can’t see.” 

      - Marian Wright Edelman,                                                                 

Founder and President of the Children’s Defense Fund                                                                 

Get Ready! We will call you GREAT! Because you are! Your contributions to the profession and the built world is significant and we want to elevate you. When one researches "great architect" the results lack diversity. When investigating why this was the result the experts in the field stated that there is not enough content that actually list diverse designers as "great." For women and BIPOC designers who are not used to be celebrated, it will seem boastful and uncomfortable to be described this way. Trust us when we say your work is incredible and you are worthy of celebration and praise!

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As of the day this statement is being written there are approximately 2,455 licensed African American Architects in the United States of America. This is roughly 2% percent of the total population of licensed Architects in the US. This is a staggering statistic to understand considering that in today’s world diversity is supposed to be more than just a buzzword. It is a necessity in the culture of collaboration and a key to successful business in a globally connected society. Studies show that inclusion of people with different backgrounds and racial makeup benefits everyone. Diversity is beneficial for both minority and majority groups. The end result is generation of more unique and innovative ideas through creating a socially diverse group. Diversity spurs creativity and the resulting ideas reach a broader audience. The enrichment of the field of architecture by exposure to a diverse pool of contributors and ideas is the goal.

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Please enjoy this database and if you would like to be featured, please click here to submit. 

https://www.beyondthebuilt.com/action-say-it-now